Thursday, June 24, 2010

We Aren't Home Just Yet

Today we are looking at Matthew 5:10 and the encouragement Jesus gives to those who are persecuted because of righteousness: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."

Some years ago a friend helped me understand righteousness by sharing with me (what I have subsequently called the "hillbilly definition") his definition of righteousness. I call it "hillbilly" because of its incredible simplicity and helpfulness. My friend defined "righteousness" as "God's way of doing things."

In our verse today, Jesus is encouraging those persecuted for choosing to live their life "God's way." Jesus tells us there will be persecution for following Him but there will be great reward for doing so as well! When we are persecuted for our obedience to God we should consider this future reward and be encouraged by it; we should remind ourselves that someday we will go to a Heavenly home where we will never again face persecution for doing things God's way! Persecution is not our final destination! There will be a heavenly reward for those who suffer and yet remain obedient to God while here on earth!

James

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